Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the world today and is growing at an alarming rate. The national prevalence of overweight and obesity in children 8-12 has almost quadrupled in the last 25 years making up the 30% of children who are obese. Not a lot of research has been conducted on younger children ages 2 and up which leaves a huge gap in the literature and hurts the population in terms of having preventative guidelines to follow in raising children to be healthy non obese individuals. This lack of research and preventative care could play a part the current prevalence of obesity in adults nearly 60% now and with the addition of growing childhood obesity could reach critical levels. Even though there isn't an abundance of research to guide practitioners there are some basic ideas that show results in lowering the BMI and risk of developing obesity or other obese related diseases.
First, and of undeniable importance, is education in nutrition and exercise. It has been shown that a cognitive-behavioral aspect is beneficial while participating in the intervention. Also limited sedentary activities like video games and positive reinforcement for physical activities and good food choices. As far as improvements clinically, BMI for children showing signs of obesity from early on, ages 2 and up for every visit. As well as an evaluation based on historical (obese parents), and physical information placing a child at risk for development of obesity or other related disease.
It's surprising that this seems so simple and yet not a lot of research has gone into these issues. Only 2 studies were found in the U.S both of which validity is an issue. The U.S has among the highest obesity levels in the world so why are we seemingly not doing anything about it? At any rate something needs to be done now, and preventative medicine needs to become mainstream or more understood so that we have a chance at stopping this terrifying trend.
I completely agree that childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States and unfortunately can say that these numbers do not surprise me. Research is always hard to be done when it involves children, but just because we cannot do research on childhood obesity does not mean that we cannot take steps in helpings to diminish it. This brings me to the point of education. Educating children in nutrition and exercise can be the first step to a healthier life. A key aspect in educating children is how you go about it. Most children have short attention spans and would rather play video games then learn. A way to compensate for this would be to make education about nutrition and exercise FUN! For example incorporating lessons into PE in elementary school or having a healthy snack time in class, etc. I feel that through different modes of teaching in our school systems we could reach out to children and help with the problem of childhood obesity.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, physical education in conjunction with healthy foods in schools are key in the beginning steps of preventing obesity among our youth. More importantly though, at least in my opinion, are those habits learned at home regarding lifestyle and diet. Unfortunately we live in a society where one's health comes second to convenience and cost among other things thus leading to sedentary lifestyles and bad or misinformed dietary decisions.
ReplyDelete